Syrian Olive Sustainability: Powering Olive Farming with Clean Energy in North-West Syria
Olive trees are central to farming life in North-West Syria, but farmers there face water shortages, pest pressure and limited technical support. The Syrian Olive Sustainability (SOS) project, implemented by IACO with Mercy Hands Europe, helps olive growers in Qabbasin, Al-Bab and Bizaa get more from their groves while protecting the land.
The five-year project builds on a successful pilot in 2023, when IACO installed the first solar-powered irrigation unit in Qabbasin. Farmers and our donor responded positively, and SOS now expands that approach into a long-term program.
SOS has five objectives:
- Training and equipment distribution: farmers learn better orchard management and receive the tools to apply it.
- Two new irrigation units: solar-powered systems that cut water and energy costs.
- Pesticide management unit: professional pest control, which has returned to Qabbasin.
- Innovative olive nursery: a greenhouse nursery producing healthy olive seedlings locally.
The project directly benefits 165 people, and its effects are expected to reach around 500,000 people indirectly through stronger olive production and local livelihoods.
By combining clean energy, local capacity and practical technical support, SOS shows how agriculture in Syria can become more resilient, efficient and sustainable…
Solar System Energy for Irrigation purposes
Olive plants produced locally in IACO field office
Syrian olive farmer inside the technical training sessions for field treatment and IPM Autumn 2026.
This Project supported and funded by Mercy hands Europe , Next Energy Foundation and EA foundation
